What we’re reading
- Tom Cruise spotted legging it over London bridge in latest film stunt.
- Capturing the spirit of London’s young Muslim women.
- Diamond Geezer's take on that bus announcement.
- Well-known and much loved real ale pub The Bree Louise in Euston closing on 31 January.
Things to do
JERWOOD/PHOTOWORKS AWARDS: Death, belonging and the fragility of the natural world are themes you can pick out of photos in this group show. The three featured photographers were whittled down from more than 350 artists and through the prize receive funding and support in their careers. Jerwood Space, free, just turn up, until 11 March
PAPER CACTUS MAKING: No matter if you can't keep the real thing alive, just head to Paperchase to make your own pretty paper succulent. Paperchase (Tottenham Court Road), £10, book ahead, 1pm-2pm
CULTURE UNDER FIRE: Does your heart sink every time you hear about the destruction or looting of places of cultural/historical significance? This talk discusses the value of cultural property, the risks of protecting it and who is responsible for rebuilding once conflict ends. LSE, free, just turn up (first come first served), 6.30pm-8pm
#METOO SHORT FILM SCREENING: Event organiser Lukrecija Vaupsaite says “Bearing in mind the most recent events of sexual harassment, it is important to get together and show that women are not on their own – at the same time to encourage talented young female filmmakers to come forward to show their work,” so that's exactly what you'll find at this night of shorts dedicated to all the X chromosomers out there. Cafe 1001 (Shoreditch), free, book ahead, 6.30pm-9pm
SECRETS OF SINGING: Love warbling in the shower but lacking the confidence or know-how to take your voice to the stage? Then get your vocal chords to this group singing class, where you'll pick up the X-Factor in no time. Shoreditch Radio, donation, book ahead, 6.30pm-9.30pm
EAST END PAINTERS: Brush up on your East End history and admire the art of those who lived in, loved and painted the area in this illustrated talk from The Gentle Author, who takes examples from the recently published East End Vernacular. Bishopsgate Institute, £7/£5, book ahead, 7pm
SOUNDSTAGE: The Soundstage sees high profile figures from film, music and TV interviewed in a relaxed setting. Tonight hear stories from art director Kevin Jenkins (whose accolades stretch from Star Wars to Guardians of the Galaxy) and comedian and actor Simon Day. The Others (Stoke Newington), £15, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
CAUGHT BY THE RIVER: The social club for cultural butterflies is back with a special edition dedicated to the river Mersey and Liverpool. Expect interesting chat, a curated Mersey-inspired playlist and film screenings. The Social (Oxford Circus), £7, book ahead, 7pm-11pm
SKETCH NIGHT: Prepare for jaw-achingly funny shorts encompassing a ventriloquist’s dummy, the smear test from hell, a lesson in, er, conceptual art appreciation, and, of course, the ubiquitous toilet humour sketch interspersed with live comedy acts. Moth Club, £13, book ahead, 7pm-11pm
BACKYARD CINEMA: If immersive cinema screenings are your thing, don't miss this collaboration between Secret London and Backyard Cinema. You'll enter some sort of snow kingdom, before settling down in front of Mrs Doubtfire with a bag of popcorn in your lap and a cocktail in hand. Backyard Cinema (Elephant & Castle), £17, book ahead, 8.30pm-11pm
Good cause of the day: Can you help save the Bethnal Green Mulberry Tree?
It's a familiar story; developers buy land, knock down everything on it, build luxury flats. However, a spanner has been thrown into the works Crest Nicholson had planned for the London Chest Hospital plot. The Gentle Author and a 5,000 strong petition are attempting to stop the developer from digging up an historic Mulberry tree, which still flourishes on the site. Sign the petition and send your letters of objection to Tower Hamlets Council (details here). It would be such a shame for the tree to survive a second world war bombing only to be ripped out by a JCB.
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